Cognition Flashcards
Define Cognition
The mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through,thought,experience, and the senses
Perception
The interpretation of the environment and is dependent on the acuity of sensory
Memory
The retention and recall of past experiences and learning
Executive Function
Higher thinking process that allow for flexibility adaptability, and goal directedness
Cognition through lifespan
1) Cognitive impairment not a normal aging
2) size and weight of the brain and number of neurons decrease with aging
3) Humans have the ability to continue learning throughout life
Age changes with cognition
1) diminished brain volume and loss of white matter
2) decreased cerebral blood flow and cortical volume loss, particularly in frontal lobes
3) reduced brain weight, loss and shrinkage of neurons transmitter
Ageism
Dismissed expectations of older adults can negatively affect cognitive function
Change focus to wellness abilities to counteract negative stereotypes
Neurocognitive disorders Alzhemiers
1) most common
2) plaques in spaces between neurons,neurofibrillary tangles in the neurons, loss of synaptic connections, cell death with brain atrophy
3) preclinical stages to severe
4) sundowning common
Neurocognitive disorders “Vascular dementia”
1) from death of nerve cells because of diseased vessels not supplying adequate nutrition to cells
2) abrupt onset often from small strokes
3) manifestations depend on what part of brain suffered vascular changes
Neurocognitive disorders (NCD’S)
LEWY BODY
1) includes Parkinson’s disease
2) presence of abnormal proteins in the brain that damage the neurons
3) affects cognitive abilities, motor function, sensory function, sleep patterns , autonomic function,
4) highly sensitive to medications( especially anticholinergics, phenothiazines, some antipsychotics)
5) cognitive fluctuations common
6) Robin Williams had this disease
Neurocognitive disorders (NCD’S)
FRONTOTEMPORAL DEGENRATIO
1) usually starts up the 6th decade but as early as 3rd
2) progressive behavorial and personality decline, progressive language decline, progressive motor decline
Consequences of Cognitive Impairement
1) increases injury
2) complicates disease management
3) decreased functional ability including capacity for independent living and normal social interaction
4) increased need for assistive services
5) financial hardship
6) caregiver burden
Modifiable Risk Factors
1) Personal behaviors: substance abuse, participation in high risk activities, accidental injuries
2) Environmental exposure
3) Health Related conditions: acute and/or chronic treatments
NONMODIFIABLE RISK FACTORS
1) Elderly people make up the population at highest risk for cognitive impairment
2) Congenital factors: maternal substance abuse, birth injuries
3) Genetic conditions
Primary Prevention
Risk reduction
Healthy lifestyle
Decrease high risk behaviors
Education when patient is most rested, use simple language, don’t rush teaching , minimize distractions, speak slowly and face patient
